PARIS, Feb. 18 (MNA) – France's Parliament has overwhelmingly approved a three-month extension of the state of emergency until May 26th.

Last November 20th, the Parliament approved the state of emergency imposed after deadly attacks in and around Paris on November 13th that was prolonged until next February 26th.

However, the government promoted a project to obtain a new 3-month extension arguing that the terrorist threat level is very high.

The National Assembly or lower house of Parliament approved the extension Tuesday night by a vote of 212-31. The measure had already been approved by the Senate and now will remain in effect until May 26.

Last February 10th, the Assembly approved a constitutional reform project, a plan promoted by the government that has generated controversial reactions in the country.

The text, adopted by 317 votes in favor, 199 against and 51 abstentions, is based on a proposal drafted by Head of State François Hollande a few days after the attacks.

One of the elements the government plans to include as part of the reform is to include the state of emergency in the Constitution.

However, according to experts, the measure continues generating unrest among the population due to the consequences to people’s freedom.

 

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